The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised serious concerns over the federal government’s recent claim that 2.3 million households have benefited from the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, demanding full disclosure of the distribution process and beneficiary data.
Recall that during a press briefing at the headquarters of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, announced the revalidation of 2.3 million individuals under the National Social Safety Nets project, noting that disbursements would soon begin.
She emphasized the necessity of accurate identity verification to ensure targeted support and prevent payments to deceased individuals.
However, HURIWA expressed deep skepticism, pointing to the absence of publicly accessible data and a lack of transparency in the program’s implementation.
The association disclosed that it had conducted an independent opinion poll across Nigeria involving over 50,000 respondents—none of whom had received or knew anyone who had benefited from the cash transfers.
“The government’s assertion of disbursing funds to 2.3 million households is unconvincing without verifiable evidence,” HURIWA stated.
“We demand the immediate publication of the distribution framework and a comprehensive list of beneficiaries in national newspapers to enable public scrutiny.”
The association also criticized the government’s management of the CCT initiative, describing the cash transfers as “audio cash” that allegedly end up enriching political affiliates rather than reaching vulnerable citizens.
HURIWA urged the government to end these opaque practices and instead prioritize transparency and accountability in handling public welfare funds.
Referencing recent reports from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), HURIWA noted that poverty levels in Nigeria have continued to worsen.
According to the World Bank’s Nigeria Poverty and Equity Brief (October 2024), approximately 47% of Nigerians are projected to live in poverty in 2024, with 45 million people falling into poverty since 2018/19.
Similarly, the IMF’s 2024 Article IV Consultation report highlighted a rise in poverty and growing food insecurity.
